Storage of Mushrooms

Since mushrooms are highly perishable, i.e. at room temperature, maximum shelf of
mushrooms is a day or two, they must be precooled at 3 – 5°C (37 - 41°F) as soon as they are
harvested in order to prolong their shelf life. Cost effective method of cooling is to place
freshly-harvested mushrooms in a cool vacuum chamber. Another cooling method is by
mechanical refrigeration. Cooling equipments may also be used for faster cooling. After precooling, mushrooms may be stored for a considerable period at optimum temperature and
humidity. Optimum temperature for storage is considered to be 0° - 1.5°C (32° - 35°F). Storage
life is typically 5-7 days at 1.5°C (35°F) and 2 days at 4.5°C (40°F). Optimum Relative
Humidity for storage is 95-98%. High relative humidity is essential to prevent desiccation and loss of glossiness of mushrooms.